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Domaine Manoir du Carra

Domaine Manoir du Carra is located in the small town of Denice, south of Burgundy and in the heart of the Beaujolais area. The property dates back to 1850, and has been bequeathed from father to son for five generations. It is now owned by Jean-Noël Sambardier and his wife.

The philosophy of the family has always been based on the practice of a viticulture attentive to and respectful of the environment.The working methods employed are simple, effective and adapted as wine making methods which respect the tradition, without neglecting the interest of certain technological advances.

History

In 1918, Jean-Marie Sambardier enters the field as a worker at the winery. Assisted by his son John, they endeavor to develop all the vineyard.

In 1962, Jean Sambardier decides to buy the entire farm to start his own production and diversify appellations. The purchase is done in "viager" - a system of payment where the buyer usually pays about 30% up front and then a monthly fee until the death of the seller.

In 1972, Jean-Noël Sambardier returns to the field determined to continue the tradition while developing the business. Frederic, his eldest son, joins him in 1999 after a strong and rewarding experience of wine making and distributing in the United States. The other brother, Damien, joined them in 2000, after having made many great wines at Domaine Laroche in Chablis.

Measuring four hectares (about 10 acres) in 1962, the area of the vineyard is now about 34 hectares (84 aces) and is home to different appellations. Beaujolais, Beaujolais-Villages, Brouilly, Julienas, Moulin à Vent, Fleurie and Beaujolais Blanc now provide the reputation and fame of the estate well beyond its borders.

A shared family passion from father to son, each member of the Sambardier family knew, over the generations, that each would bring his touch, experience and expertise to shape the character of the wines produced at the property. Today, it is with an eye to the future that Frederic and Damien Sambardier work to develop the estate.

Winery/Vineyards

At Manoir du Carra, they are convinced that an understanding of the vine, in respect to biodiversity and natural balance, is essential to preserve the soil and better respect the environment. Their goal is vines that are self-sufficient in their environment.

Proud of an ancestral tradition, Manoir du Carra is committed to harvesting all plots by hand. Manual harvesting may cost more, but, in terms of quality, the results are incomparable. After harvesting and sorting, the grapes are then sent to tanks for 4-18 days of fermentation, depending on the type of wine desired. Winemaking is conducted without the addition of sulfur and with meticulous temperature control.

Intense red color, subtle fruity and floral aromas of violet, berry and cinnamon. It also has a distinctive aroma of Peony and Lily flowers, typical of the "Sur le Mont" terroir. It is ample in the mouth and has a lot of ripe red and black fruit flavors. The structure is full and the tannins are round and elegant.Even better after a few years of cellaring.

POS

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Product Formats

Unit

Units/Case

Type

UPC - bottle

SCC - case

SRP/Unit

750ml

12

Glass

7 84585 02009 6

1 07 84585 02009 3

$26.95

Specifications

Grape Varietals

100% Gamay

ABV

13.5%

Aging

3-4 months

Serving Temp

53-60°F

Closure

Cork

Production

1,166 cases

Wine Making Notes

The vineyard measures 2 hectares and the average age of the vines is 50 years. Yield: 45hl/haManual harvest70% destemmedSemi-carbonic maceration for 10-12 daysAging in Foudre for 3-4 monthsSlight filtration.

"The 2015 Fleurie Vers le Mont saw an 11-day maceration with 50% of the grapes destemmed, 80% aged in foudres and the rest in tank. It has an interesting nose, a little standoffish at first, but gradually opening with black fruit tinged with Earl Grey and leather. The palate is well balanced with crisp acidity, quite structured and tightly wound for a Fleurie in this vintage, though I appreciate the focus and detail. - Neal Martin "- Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate (Issue #232, August 31st 2017), 88 pts